Blackened Arena Rock? Melancholic Grunge n’ Roll? Valletta’s anthemic approach to song writing and energetic stage performance certainly makes you wonder.
The band’s forthcoming full-length debut album, Summer, seeks to incinerate metal norms and create a new sound that is as grimey as it is electrifying!.
Valletta comes with an impressive pedigree. The band features drummer Justin Valletta (Mo’ynoq), bassist/backing vocalist Donald Boyd (Mo’ynoq), guitar/lead vocalist Keenan Carroll (Lord Almighty, ex-Barishi), and guitarist/backing vocalist Will Goodyear (Hopesfall, Prayer for Cleansing, ex-Between The Buried and Me).
Metal Hammer called the band’s debut EP, Come Alive, “A potent mix of Celtic Frost, Satyricon and The Bronx, this is fantastically catchy, bleak, old-school extreme metal with rock’n’roll hooks.” Summer takes that penetrating foundational mix and supercharges the musicianship and songwriting, resulting in 12 tracks guaranteed to leave neurological imprints!
The band released the following statement about Summer:
“The new album, Summer, has been a real exploration in tearing down walls that we had previously built up over the years. Each of us coming from different musical backgrounds, there’s been this strong sense of letting go and allowing the music to unfold, regardless of how uncomfortable it may be. That’s been the beauty of this journey we’ve started together, and it’s been a great ride so far!
During the writing process, a constant theme that emerged was the idea of duality. From heavier, grimier riffs to beautiful, stoic melodies. From slower, muddy depths to faster, anthemic leads. From frozen wastelands, to summer nights, we’ve been on a journey to explore our limitations musically and emotionally. Spin that shit up!”
Track Listing:*
1. Kissing Angels
2. Serpents of Solomon
3. Saint
4. Diving into the Deep
5. Criminal
6. Soot & Ash
7. Ill Blood [Official Video]
8. In Ecstasy
9. On the Run
10. Bringing the Worst
11. Come Alive
12. Almighty Hate
*The vinyl version of Summer contains five instrumental synthesizer bonus tracks that serve as interludes.
In support of forthcoming album, Summer, U.S. Black ‘N Rollers, Valletta, will launch their Eastern U.S. Tour in October! Tour dates are as follows:
10/17 Atlanta, GA @ Culture Shock
10/18 Athens, GA @ Flicker
10/19 Kingsport, TN VFW Post 4933
10/20 Covington, KY @ Madison Live
10/21 Chicago, IL @ Live Wire Lounge
10/22 Dayton, OH @ Hidden Gem
10/23 Pittsburgh, PA @ Preserving Underground
10/24 Philadelphia, PA @ Ortlieb’s
10/25 Burlington, VT @ Despacito
10/27 Lowell, MA @ Koto Lowell
10/ 29 Salem, MA @ Koto Salem
11/1 Richmond, VA @ Cobra Cabana
11/2 Wilmington, NC (TBA)
Album Credits:
Recorded and mixed by Al Jacob at Warrior Sound, Chapel Hill, NC.
Mastered by Matt Tuttle at IAS Studios, Winston Salem, NC.
Cover Art by Will Goodyear